Roto Chronicles: National League

Which players will rise out of obscurity and become fantasy sleepers?

Another baseball season is upon us and with that surprise players rise out of obscurity to have career years or improve their mark from the previous season. Last season, catcher Brian McCann hit .270 with 92 RBIs, and had 51 runs. That netted him a 6-year contract worth $26.8 million in the offseason with the Braves. Most notably, Ryan Howard of the Phillies posted arguably the best season of his career when he hit 47 home runs and batted .269. This MVP player also won the National League Silver Slugger award in 2006. Who will rise out of the doldrums of mediocrity this season to have a great year and earn your fantasy roster points? These players are potential steals for this coming season so keep an eye out on their progress as the season goes on:

C—Brian McCann. In the 2007 season he hit .270 with 92 RBIs. Expected to be the starting catcher for the Atlanta Braves, he has no competition for the upcoming season. Rest assured, his numbers will only improve from the break out year he had in 2006. Changing his batting style and hitting more for power, expect McCann to be a consistent producer for batting average, hits and runs.

2B—Mark Derosa. Though he had heart trouble in the preseason, look for DeRosa to come back to his regular form. It appears as though he is in recovery and will hit the field on opening day. In 2007 he hit .293 and plated 64 times. Though he’s had a history of inconsistencies on defense, he hasn’t shown inconsistencies at the plate. DeRosa could bea keeper. My advice to you is if you can pick him up in free agency or trade for him, do it, and monitor his progress for the first two weeks of the season.

SP—Johan Santana. Don’t expect him to have the dazzling numbers he had last season. He dominated players in a less than stellar division with the Twins. Now he moves to a league where batters aren’t so contingent upon the long ball, but more strategy is required. This is not to say he will not succeed in the National League. Though he is playing in a very tough East division, he will still have his strikeout power, and a good WHIP average.

OF—Hunter Pence. Last season’s Rookie of the Year doesn’t look like he will slow down anytime soon. Forget about the dreaded sophomore slump that seems to overtake Rookies of the Year. This spring, Pence is hitting .310 and looks to take his game to another level. As a rookie, Pence hit .322, 17 home runs, and 69 RBIs. Not bad for a rookie campaign. His steal numbers are low, but he makes up for it with his power and accuracy at the plate.

2B-Utility—Ricky Weeks. Though 2007 was an off year for Weeks, batting .235 with only 36 RBIs, look for him to be more composed at the plate. Working with a new hitting instructor and developing his eye coordination in the offseason, he is poised to have a breakout year. He won’t dazzle you with his power, but his speed will account for hits and steals. His 25 steals in 2007 was impressive, but look for him to improve that if he stays healthy. Barring he is the leadoff hitter, his steal numbers should dramatically increase. He is a steal if he’s available in free agency.

SP—Zack Duke. Once a promising pitcher his numbers dwindled the last two seasons. His 2007 season was the worst of his young career. Finishing with a 5.53 ERA and a WHIP of 1.73, he looks to improve with a shorter motion toward the plate. Though in 2005, his first year, he started 14 games and finished 8-2 with a 1.81 ERA and a WHIP of .91. His strikeout totals aren’t what you would see in someone such as Santana or Pedro Martinez, but he will improve on that if he stays healthy. 2006 was his best year in health and strikeouts, but his less than stellar W-L record of 10-15 was nothing to brag about. If he can quickly adapt to his new pitching style and stay healthy he will return to the form he had in 2005 when he broke into the league.

OF—Ryan Freel. While his 2007 numbers regressed from 2006, he still has enormous steal potential. Put on the DL four times in 2007, his numbers suffered greatly, but good players never stay down; they find ways to get up. His off season conditioning program should prevent him from going to the DL as often. His steals are what separates him, not his power. If he’s on base, there is a good chance he will cross the plate. 2004-2006 he averaged 37 steals and was caught stealing 10 times. He won’t lose his job to newly acquired OF Darin Erstad, so expect him to be an everyday player. His BA has slumped over the last four seasons, but he has enough speed and defensive skills to balance your fantasy roster. If he’s ever in a batting slump, look for him to pick himself back up quickly.

These seven players are only a handful of players that can have a big impact not only on their teams, but your fantasy roster. As the season progresses I will give a weekly analysis of the National League. Stay tuned for further updates and information.